Assessment of possible efficacy of aqueous leaves extract of Psoralea bituminosa L. for anti-hyperglycaemic activity

Abstract Objective To evaluate for the first time the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of Psoralea bituminosa L. leaves in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods The aqueous extract was screened for its phytochemicals and tested for acute toxicity. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.v. ). The aqueous extract was administered orally once a day for a period of 21 days. Body weight and blood glucose lowering capacity were determined in different experimental days. Results The results of acute toxicity showed that the rats had a good tolerance to high doses of extract (up to 1.5 g/kg) and that no mortality was observed. The extract had shown a good blood glucose lowering effect in the oral glucose tolerance test. After 21 days of daily oral administration of the extract to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, the aqueous extract can reduce hyperglycemia by reaching more than 31%. Conclusions Aqueous extract possesses a good anti-hyperglycaemic effect and is showing a bright future in the therapy of diabetes mellitus.